Cobblers edge past Fleetwood

Late Guttridge strike seals 2-1 win

Luke Guttridge struck the second-half winner as Northampton scraped through to the FA Cup second round after overcoming plucky Fleetwood 2-1 at Sixfields.

The Conference North side will feel they did enough to have earned a replay, creating several good chances in either half, but two-goal Guttridge was the difference between the two sides.

Fleetwood created the better chances early on with Steve McNulty forcing Chris Dunn to tip his header on to the bar following a Jamie Milligan free-kick. The impressive Sean Clancy exchanged passes with Michael Wilde before heading over at the far post as the visitors began confidently.

But Guttridge broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when he turned home a right-wing cross from John Johnson.

Clancy deservedly equalised in the 41st minute, drilling the ball home from a tight angle.

Guttridge restored Northampton's advantage in the 61st minute with a screaming free-kick which keeper Danny Hurst completely misjudged. Gareth Seddon almost equalised four minutes later when his shot was deflected wide and Clancy fired over shortly afterwards.